Tates Creek Christian Church Current for February 2016

Tates Creek
Current
February 2016

Tates Creek Christian Church 3150 Tates Creek Road
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Contact
Tates Creek Christian
3150 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 266-1621
office@tatescreek.org
Visit Online
www.tatescreek.org
facebook.com/tatescreekcc
Worship
Sunday
Traditional - 9:30 am
The Vine - 11:00 am
Sunday School -
8:30, 9:30, 11:00 am
Evening - 6:30 pm
Wednesday
Oasis Classes - 6:30 pm
Staff
Tommy Simpson
Kim Beckwith
Don Seevers
Mike Allen
Brad Haggard
Matt Lee
Lesley Tipton
David Eversole
Billy Bishop
Office Staff
Kim Jones
Jenni Gregg
Rhoda Rolfes
Vicki Wesley
Contents
Feature Article
10-11 “Trusting in God’s Promises”
In Every Issue
3-7 Minister Articles
12 Prayer Ministry
12 Guided Prayer Topics
13 Elder/Deacon Serving Schedule
18-21 Devotional thoughts each week
22 December Statistics
23 New Members
24 Calendar
Ministry News
8 We Care Store update
14 Room In The Inn
15 Missions Moment
Events
9 February Events
16-17 February Events
Mission
Tates Creek Christian Church exists
to win people to Christ (evangelism),
build up believers in faith, knowledge, and
service (encouragement), to help those in need
(benevolence), and to stand up for Christian
values in the community (witness).

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Lexington, KY 40502 www.tatescreek.org
Hope
“A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to
happen.” That is the dictionary definition of the word Hope.
As we are working through the book of Romans, especially
chapters 4,5, and 6, we realize that God has a great promise
for us. The promise of justification through the blood of
Christ! This is what gives us hope. Hope in our trials, hope in our stress,
hope in our weariness, hope in our weakness, hope in our brokenness.
We have great hope in the promise that the blood of Christ offers us.
As I looked specifically at Romans chapter 5, there was some phrasing
that stood out to me. I kept seeing the phrases“not only so”and“how
much more”repeated. Both of these indicate that
there is a much GREATER promise available to us
through Jesus Christ. I love the first 5 verses of
chapter 5: “Therefore, since we have been justified
through faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained
access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the
hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because
God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has
given us.” Romans 5:1-5 (emphasis added by me)
The hope that we have in Christ makes even the hardest things we
go through worth rejoicing in. We can be sure that each of these trials
and tests are developing in us and reminding us of the HOPE we have
of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I know this is a difficult scripture to
grasp.
James also says in James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever
you face trials of many kinds”. Paul and James both knew that even in our
trials, even when it seems like all hope is lost, we always have hope in the
promise of eternal life. So take joy and have hope, even when the going
gets tough!
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he
has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God
has promised those who love him.” James 1:12
~ Mike
mike@tatescreek.org

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Lots of Promises
When we look at the sermon texts for February, we find
several promises in Romans 4, 5, & 6. There is so much
wonderful truth in these chapters that it is difficult to
condense them into a short article such as this one. But let
me try to hit some of the highlights:
First of all, we read of Abraham. Can you think of an Old Testament
person who tells us more of the power of faith than Abraham? We are
reminded in Romans 4 that “Abraham believed God, and it was credited
to him as righteousness.” Wow! That simple statement that“Abraham
believed God”is a powerful one that unleashes a great discussion
contrasting faith and works. The chapter closes with an affirmation of
the power of Abraham’s faith and how we are all blessed because of it.
In Chapter 5, there is a wonderful promise that we can enjoy peace and
joy because of our faith. We can even rejoice in our sufferings because of
our faith relationship with God. Did you realize that suffering produces
good things in our lives? Suffering can
produce perseverance, character, and hope.
Hmm...next time I am suffering because
of illness, disappointment in someone, or
when someone says something unkind to
me, I hope I can remember those situations
can and should make me a better Christian. I also love the contrast in
chapter 5 between Adam and Christ. Adam brought death; Christ brings
eternal life. That is a pretty great promise!
Then, there is that powerful Chapter 6. Quite often, this passage is
read before a person turns their life over to Christ and is baptized. This
is one of the those chapters where one doesn’t know where to stop
reading when sharing the Scripture with the congregation. I especially
like the promise in these verses: “Or don’t you know that all of us who were
baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore
buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new
life.” (Romans 6:3,4)
We find lots of great promises in these three chapters. I am anxious to
hear about them in our upcoming sermon series. We will sing
about those promises, too!
~ Don
don@tatescreek.org

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Do you remember making promises to your parents when
you were younger? My daughter always tries to make some
sort of deal with her promises. “I promise I’ll sleep with
that stuffed animal every night!”(We’ll add it to the ten
already filling her bed). “I
promise I will never whine again!” Sure,
sweetheart. I can’t blame her though, I
did the same thing, and to be honest, I
still do, as do most of us.
We make promises to God such as“I
promise I’ll study your Word more, if you
give me that promotion”or“I promise
I’ll give more of myself to the church
this year”. Unfortunately, most of our
promises end up being broken, due to
our tendency towards sin. As followers
of Christ, we must always remember that God gave us the best promise,
the way to Him through His Son! Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates
his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” We
should be ever vigilant in our spiritual walk, making sure that we grow
and flourish, instead of wither and die. Romans 6:12-14
~ Lesley
lesley@tatescreek.org
Making Promises

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When our family learned from the doctors that they could
do no more for my Dad with regard to his cancer, that day
was a very difficult day, to say the least. However, after the
doctor left the hospital room, my Dad & Mom, two sisters, my
brother, and I had a wonderful conversation; emotional, but
very good. We thanked him for being such a great Dad, for the hard work
ethic he instilled in us, and for the legacy of faith he passed on to us. Each
of us told him that we loved him very much! Dad told us that he loved us
and the most difficult thing in all of this was that he would have to leave us.
The promise that my siblings and I made to him that day was that we would
take care of Mom. Since my two sisters and brother live much closer, they
fulfill this promise very well, much better than I do. Making that promise
was very meaningful for us. Fulfilling that promise is very meaningful, too!
When it comes to promises, what is the greatest promise we have made?
Is it the promise to a loved one that we will take care of family? Is it the
promise we made to our mate the day we married? Is it the promise we
made to follow our Lord? Is it the promise we made to the Lord that we
would raise our children to know Him?
What is the greatest promise that has been made to
us? Was it the promise our mate made to us on our
wedding day? Was it a promise our parents made to
us? A promise a friend made to us? I submit that the
greatest promise made to us is the promise that God
makes to us in Romans 6:23; “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift
of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Wow! The gift of eternal life!!!
That promise can be difficult to process! To live in the presence of God
forever and ever! What is even more amazing, this promise is a gift because
of God’s grace! A gift that we do not deserve! And yet, this promise of
eternal life is guaranteed through Jesus Christ our Lord! II Corinthians 1:20
says, “For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes.” He
guarantees the promise of eternal life through His blood shed at the cross
and through His resurrection from the dead! The promise of eternal life is
the greatest of promises! Do we cherish this promise? Do we anticipate
and appreciate this promise? Just as we promised Dad we would take
care of Mom, God promises us that He will take care of us ~ for all eternity!
Wow!!!
Jesus is greater! ~ Tommy
tommy@tatescreek.org
Jesus is Greater

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What will you do when the devil shows up when you least
expect it? Will you be ready? Will you run and hide or beg
him to leave you alone? Do have the scriptural depth to stand
firm against his schemes as he seeks to steal, kill, and destroy?
Throughout the last few years the devil has shown his evil
face. Through tragedies on the global front, wars, murders, and divorce. He
has roared like a lion and dared anyone in any place to come and face him.
Will the church respond with one voice,“We won’t go away quietly! We have
the Spirit to fight for us! Our God will win every battle! While your weapon
is hate, we have LOVE! Bring it on devil, THE CHURCH doesn’t fear you! It is
the bride of Christ!!!”
Since the beginning of the school year the elementary kids have been
preparing for battle in the Uptown Castle! Together we are learning about
the devil’s schemes and the tricks up his sleeve. We have learned that
we aren’t challenged to tuck our tails and run, but that we should stand
firm. With God on our side and a life of dependence on HIS strength, we
can overcome. So far, we have learned that God has provided us with the
equipment of Truth, Righteousness, and the Gospel of Peace. These tools
can defend, protect, and be used to defeat our opponent. Over the next
few months we will continue to learn the other parts of our Armor from
Ephesians 6:10-18! Join with us and prepare for battle. The question isn’t
will the devil attack, but when. He won’t wait for you to be ready, but
our scripture provides us with two secrets. Depend on God’s strength
(Ephesians 6:10) and PRAY for one another (Ephesians 6:18)!
SPECIAL THANKS!!!
I LOVE serving with people that desire to Love the church and serve
willingly! When the format for services changed, our team of volunteers in
Uptown and Critterland sacrificed and served with flexibility. Thanks to all
who serve our kids each week which is more than 100 people on rotation!
Instead of losing team members we gained a stronger team and greeters for
our youngest families in Critterland!
Thanks to Steve and Tara Waters, Lucas and Jaime Moore, and others that
cared enough about the church to put together last month’s Family Friday
Movies! Thanks to Jim and Mary Furnish for loving their neighbors and
helping us deliver Christmas baskets to 6 families before Christmas! Each of
you, and many others are Making a Difference!!!
~ Matt
matt@tatescreek.org
Preparing for Battle

The We Care Store opened at Tates Creek Christian Church in July 2015
with the objective of helping people meet their basic needs. We start at a
person’s lowest need and move the person toward fulfillment in Christ. As
we give each person food, we want to touch, in love, the spiritual heart of
that person.
From July 7 through December 31, we have served 1,694 people. This
includes 142 one person families, 219 two-three person families, 91 four
person families, and 113 families of five or more people. Only 25% of these
families have returned after the first visit. The total value of the food given
by the We Care Store is $21,047.
Approximately 40 ministry servants from the Tates Creek family serve
in the We Care Store. A special thanks goes to our team captains, Charles
& Lois Slone, Judy Williams, and Ken Melton. The overall ministry is lead
in a special way by Sharon Johnson. Please feel free to contact any of these
people, if you wish to volunteer.
The loving of people through the We Care Store through six months far
exceeds expectations. Thank you Tates Creek family. You are a blessing to
many poeple! Let us continue to serve together in 2016, led of the Spirit as a
blessed Tates Creek family.
Collection bins are available for your We Care Store donations on the 4th
Sunday of each month. If you would like to make a monetary donation,
please make your check payable to Tates Creek Christian Church with
“We Care Store” in the memo line.
We Care Store
Weekly operating hours
Tuesday: 1:30 - 3:30 pm & 4 - 6 pm
Thursday: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
We Care Store
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February Events
The Weeks family, our missionaries in Nekempte, Ethiopia, plan on
visiting us while they are here in the states for the birth of their
second daughter. Charlotte Mae, “Charley,” was born December 30.
Help us welcome back Travis, Emily, Clare, and Charley as they
plan to join us on Sunday, February 21, 2016.
Clare & Emily
2015
Travis, Emily, & Clare in 2013.
(When they left for Ethiopia)
Pray for all of our Missionaries
Ethiopia ~ Adrian & Jennifer Fehl, Tyler & Katie Selby,
Travis & Emily Weeks
Tanzania ~ Steve & Doretha Limiero
Global Community Health Evangelism ~ Judy Fish
Mexico ~ Sergio & Holly Alvarado, Eric & Dee Duggins,
Greg & Vicki Syverson
U.S. ~ New York City ~ Jonathan & Jubi Williams

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“Just trust me! This will be quick, it won’t hurt, and if you’re
brave I’ll take you out for a treat afterward. I promise!”
After weeks of staring at a loose front tooth I pleaded with
my daughter to let me take it out. No one likes the thought
of someone else messing with their teeth or mouth, and a
painful loose tooth experience the last time had put my daughter on edge.
But, by this time I was genuinely frustrated
with her. That tooth mocked me every
time she smiled, and I was determined to
get it out. I remembered having my tooth
tied to a doorknob as a kid and thought
that my daughter had it much easier than
I ever did. Would she trust me enough to
pluck it out?
Abraham was in a similar situation in
Genesis 15. The one blessing that everyone coveted above any other was
the ability to pass on their name to the next generation, to know that even
after they died their memory would not be lost. For Abraham and Sarah,
though, it looked like time had long since passed for them. Abraham
was old now and Sarah was past childbearing age. So when God came
to Abraham and told him that, contrary to what he expected, he would
instead be the father of as many descendants as there are stars in the sky
(verse 5), there was only one person who could make that a reality. When
Abraham“believed”, in verse 6, he placed his trust in God to realize the
promise.
God saw that trust and counted it as“righteousness”. Normally, someone
could get to be in right relationship with God by treating others well.
Taking care of the orphan and widow, dealing fairly in business, and
participating in the community, were the methods to show God that
you were a“good”person and that He should pay special attention to
you. God is righteous because He treats everyone fairly and cares for the
oppressed. Look at Psalm 146, for example. If you want to be on God’s
good side, then you need to act like He does.
But God did something different with Abraham. He was able
to get on God’s good side because he trusted God enough to
follow Him, even when experience went against the promise.
When God further promised Abraham that he would
Trusting in God’s Promises

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. . . God’s Promises continued
receive the land of Canaan as an inheritance, Abraham trusted, even
though there was no way that he could verify this.
The rest of chapter 15 shows just how serious God was. The elaborate
sacrifice ritual and appearance of a smoking pot and torch mirrored the
standard treaty ceremony that formalized relations between two nations.
Usually the larger nation would force the weaker to walk through the
midst of the sacrificed animals as a warning of what would happen if
they broke the terms of the treaty. The relations were dependant on the
weaker party following the terms set out by the stronger. So we would
expect Abraham to be the one walking through the midst of the animals,
but instead God passes through himself.
The promise to Abraham depended on one
condition: God’s favor! That’s what grace
is. God’s promises extend to everyone who
trusts in Him. This is Paul’s point in reflecting
on the cross-cultural and multi-ethnic power
of the Gospel:
“That is why it depends on faith, in order that
the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not
only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of
Abraham, who is the father of us all.” Romans 4:16 (ESV)
We don’t have to fulfill any conditions in order to participate in this
promise: not money, not influence, not race or ethnicity, not even
following the terms of the Mosaic Law. It is God that guarantees the
promise to us. And when we broke the terms of the treaty, it was Jesus
who walked through death in order to restore a new treaty, a new
covenant, between God and humankind.
When my daughter composed herself just long enough for me to get my
fingers on that tooth it popped right out. Just being close enough was
all it took, and we went out to get a treat to celebrate afterward. It was
a joy to fulfill my promise to her, and I think God takes his greatest joy in
fulfilling His promises to us!
~ Brad
brad@tatescreek.org

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“Jesus got up early in the morning, left the house
while it was still dark and went to a quiet place to pray.”
(Mark 1:35). He loved talking to his Father. We have
no greater privilege than the blessing of talking to our
Father through Jesus our Savior.
Our Father wants us to talk to him about everything
in our lives. He loves us so much that I can see him
smile every time we go to him in prayer. He is very
interested in everything we have going on in or lives;
our family, our marriages, our friends, our church,
our struggles, and just every day life.
Sometimes I have down days and I struggle to find
the right words to say, but I am so blessed that my
friend the Holy Spirit is always ready to help me form
my words and my thoughts. If we just trust him,
his words are better than ours. He knows us so well
because he lives in our hearts, never to leave us.
I really enjoy talking during my prayer time also,
sometimes too much. I need to learn to spend more
time listening to my Father and waiting for His
guidance. But, I am learning to “Be still and know that
I am God” (Psalm. 46:10), in every situation of life.
Sometimes we become too impatient to wait for
God’s answers. We need to learn that His timing is
perfect, not ours. And sometimes we don’t receive the
answers we want. Again, God knows all about us and
what is best for us, so we just need to trust His heart.
We are so blessed to be called sons of God, His
people, and His family.
Thank you Father for your never ending love that you
give us daily. May we always remember to come to you
with thankful hearts and lives. Amen.
~ Carlletta Carpenter
The Power of Prayer
Daily Guided
Prayer Topics
February
1 Romans 4:24-25
2 Greg & Vicki Syverson
3 Trust God
4 Teach the truth
5 Lighthouse Ministries
6 Families trusting in the
Lord
7 Those needing heat for
their homes
8 Romans 5:1, 6
9 Sergio & Holly Alvarado
10 Baptize the lost
11 Perseverance prevails
12 Assurance Care Center
13 Families justified by faith
14 The unemployed
15 Romans 5:17-19
16 Jonathan & Jubi Williams
17 Show grace to others
18 Missionary families
19 Hope Center
20 Teaching teenagers to do
what is right
21 Misled college students
22 Romans 6:4
23 Travis & Emily Weeks
24 Be alive in Christ!
25 Energy for ministers
26 God’s Pantry
27 Family members
undergoing chemo
28 Those who are
discouraged
29 Romans 7:15-20
The mission of this ministry is to pray, motivate, and train others to
pray, and to provide prayer opportunities so that we might know our
Lord more intimately and serve Him more fervently.
If you would like to share your prayer testimony to encourage
others, please contact Peggy Crawford at psnow2020@aol.com.

Communion Serving Schedule
February 7
Elders: Craig Martin, Stan Stack
Deacons: Bill Poor, Stuart Kearns
Ashland Terrace: Keith Wertz
Home Comm: Cory Wilson, Henry Evans,
Brad Byington
Sat Comm Prep: Mike/Barb Nevius
Clean-up 1st Srv: Marvis/Pam White
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Brittany,Lauren,Olivia
Prayer Room: Nathan Young, Mona Vannatter
Ushers: Doug Ison, David Martin,
David Feltner
February 14
Elders: George Heaton, Craig Martin
Deacons: Charles Byers, Russell Brown
Ashland Terrace: David Straub
Home Comm: Allan Faber, Ed Hall,
Keith Wertz
Sat Comm Prep: John Craycraft
Clean-up 1st Srv: Mary Robey
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Greg/Kim Finkbonner
Prayer Room: Jerry/Jo Brooking, Gina Runyon
Ushers: Stan Stack, Boyd Johnson,
John Martin
February 21
Elders: Larry Hitchner, George Heaton
Deacons: Ray Albensi, Steven Clem
Ashland Terrace: Jonathan Clifton
Home Comm: Stuart Kearns, Bill Johnson,
Ken Banks
Sat Comm Prep: Marvis/Pam White
Clean-up 1st Srv: Shannon/Jenni Gregg
Clean-up 2nd Srv: Michelle M. / April R.
Prayer Room: Beth Kessler, Kevin Hickey
Ushers: Jack White, Dennis Moore,
Cory Wilson
February 28
Elders: Ken Sharp, Larry Hitchner
Deacons: Terry Morrison, Henry Evans
Ashland Terrace: Bill Johnson
Home Comm: Terry Morrison, Steven Clem,
Jonathan Clifton
Sat Comm Prep: Arlene A. / Meredith B.
Clean-up 1st Srv: Randall Young
Clean-up 2nd Srv: David/Joanne Shuman
Prayer Room: Caroline Lewis, Laura Mullins
Ushers: Bill Poor, David Martin,
Bill Burke
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Bluegrass Christian
Men’s Fellowship
February 8, 2016
Broadway Christian Church
Meal ~ 5:45 pm,
Program ~ 6:45 pm
Ladies are welcome to attend.
Teaching

In years gone by, I have written many tales. One such story was about
my Mom prompting me to SEND, but not expect to receive, Christmas
cards. The following is a story about a totally unexpected Christmas card
sent to me.
Our church participates in a ministry, during the Winter months, which
sponsors fourteen homeless men, two nights a month. Our church and
the people from our Sunday school groups take care of these fellows for
an“overnight stay”at our church. The ministry is call“Room in the Inn”!
Very appropriate.
The men are picked up dowtown, brought to our church, fed a hot meal,
and provided a warm safe place to sleep for the night. Early the next
morning, at 5 am, they are awakened to get ready
for the day. They take care of putting up their
bedding while the hot breakfast is being prepared.
After breakfast, they pick up a sack lunch and
usually a couple extra, board the bus, and go back
downtown for another lonely day.
I have participated in the“Room in the Inn”ministry for several years.
In 2013, however, I was physically unable to participate in the ministry.
You see, I was the bus driver, the guy who made the wakeup call,
usually helped sling chow around in the kitchen, then drove them back
downtown.
Because I was not able to participate, agitate, and be around the guys,
I decided to write a“cover letter”and make out a Christmas card for each
of the fellows. My buddy agreed to read the note to all the guys and give
them their Christmas cards from me. What more could a guy ask for?
Several days later, I got a call from my buddy. He told me that one of the
guys had used my Christmas card, and made it out to be delivered to me.
Talk about a surprise! The fellow had taken the top part of my card and
printed this note for me.
“Jim, thank you for the card. I have nowhere to keep it.
But I’d like to give it back to you with wishes of a Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year to you and your family and I’ll be praying for you to get better and
many years to come. Merry Christmas, “K” “
~ Jim Regan
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“The Surprise Christmas Card”

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A “Thank You” from the Kern Family
(Stefan and Sharon Kern and their four children have lived in the TCCC
Mission House since May 2015.)
When my family was starting to talk about
returning from Mozambique, where we
have been serving as missionaries since
2006, many emotions started cycling
through our minds. To say excitement was
one of the emotions would have been an
understatement! It had been 4 years since
our children had experienced anything from
America and our youngest was just a baby
when we were last stateside. Balancing that“excitement”was the parents’
emotion of dread!! Where will we live? How will we furnish the house?
Will we live in a safe section of town? These questions (and many more)
are questions many missionaries are faced with when they return to their
passport country for a brief period of home assignment. When we left, many
of us sold our home and furnishings to set up our“new home”in the country
of ministry.
As He always does, the Lord provided….not just sufficiently BUT abundantly
through the TCCC Mission House! There are so many details I wouldn’t
have space to write about. Everything from the condition of the house,
(EXCELLENT) to the furnishings, (BEYOND WHAT WE IMAGINED) and the
layout of the house. Just such an answer to prayer! We continue to be
humbled by how perfect this house has been for us these 10 months.
As we prepare to return to Mozambique, we can truly say that we are
refreshed and energized for the task at hand. There are still over 2,000 people
groups with NO ACCESS to the gospel. Our passion is to come alongside
the African Church and help equip them as they seek to take God’s Story to
cultures that have never heard.
To the community of believers that call Tates Creek Christian Church
“home”….thanks for your efforts. Thanks for your sacrificial giving. Thanks
for the unique way that you have chosen to steward your finances for the
furthering of His Kingdom.
From the bottom of our hearts….Stefan, Sharon, Cohen, Christian,
Wesley and Alexandra….we thank you!
Missions Moment

February Events
Teaching
Middle School
Believe Conference
February 19-20
Please be praying for a great weekend of
growth and encouragement for this group
of Middle School students!
“The Amazing Collection” Nahum - Malachi
Women’s Study Led by Phyllis Eversole ~ Room 200E
“Hands and Feet Ministry”
Led by Vickie Cole ~ Room 200A
“Romans”
Led by Tommy Simpson ~ Room 200CD
The following activites are also taking place:
Middle School worship, Worship Choir rehearsal,
Elementary Truth Travelers, and Preschool choir.
Winter Oasis continues until March 23
Wednesday
Evenings
6:30 pm
Invite your friends to hear the wonderful
message of Romans!
Oh! What a Savior!
Sermon Series continues
February 7 - Righteousness Reckoned, Romans 4
February 14 - Not Guilty, Romans 5:1-11
February 21 - You are the Man, Romans 5:12-21
February 28 - Dead to Sin, Romans 6

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February Events
An Evening for
Pairs & Spares
February 18 - 5:45 pm
Banquet and Program - $17.50
Program only - $10
Join us for a banquet and a program presented by
Aaron Wilburn, musician and comedian.
Reservations are required by January 31. Registration
forms are available in the office. For more information,
please see Kim Beckwith. You may contact him at
266-1621 or kimbeckwith@tatescreek.org.

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Devotional Thought Week 1
RIGHTEOUSNESS RECKONED - Romans 4
It seems that keeping promises does not have the same meaning as it
once did. Promises are often broken due to unforeseen circumstances,
but often times they were never intended to be kept from the start.
Whether we consider broken promises through business contracts,
politics, or through our relationships, it is comforting to associate with
people who keep their promises.
Sometimes we make excuses if we fail to keep a promise, or fail to
recognize our own faults. As Christians, we all sin and fall short. But
God has made a promise to the faithful! Romans 4:3-5 states “What
does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited
to him as righteousness.” Now when a man works, his wages are not
credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man
who does not work but trusts in God who justifies the wicked, his faith is
credited as righteousness”. Paul illustrates that
righteousness is separate from works of the law
but rather through faith.
In times of sorrow and suffering, a strong
faith gives us comfort and is pleasing to God.
Abraham remained faithful to God and gave him
glory and the Lord blessed him as the father of many nations. A strong
faith is also an encouragement to others. Our church is blessed to have
many members who are generous with their time and service. We are
blessed even more to have many who are an encouragement to others
because of their strong faith.
Paul concludes Romans 4 in verses 23-25 revealing “The words “it was
credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom
God will credit righteousness- for us who believe in him who raised Jesus
our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was
raised to life for our justification”.
As believers we are justified by faith, and the promise from God is the
forgiveness of sins and eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.
~ David Straub
Deacon

19
Devotional Thought Week 2
NOT GUILTY - Romans 5:1-11
I see myself sitting anxiously in a court room, I am the one on trial. The
evidence has been presented to the court and it all points to my guilt.
And in fact I myself know that, indeed, I am guilty. The judge is in his
chambers deliberating on the verdict. I am nervous as I sit waiting for
the judge, I feel as if I will jump out of my skin. What will my sentence
be?
I hear the bailiff say“all rise”as the judge takes his
seat behind the bench. I am told to remain standing
and to face the judge. The judge calls out my name
and says“I find you not guilty.” I can hardly believe
my ears. Relief, like cool water on a hot day, flows
over me. Then reality sets in, how can it be? I know I
am guilty. The judge seeing the look on my face and
knowing my thoughts, tells me“someone else has
taken the punishment for your offences.”
I know that the above story is fiction, yet there is truth in the story,
truth about how I think of my life before Jesus became my Lord and
Savior. The sin that I am ashamed of. Tommy, in the January Tates Creek
Current, asked how we would complete the statement: Jesus is greater
than __________. I would fill in the blank with: all my sin and shame.
The past, though I remember it, has no hold on me; not guilty and
forgiven. When I think of that, I am amazed at the love and grace of God
through His Son, Jesus the Christ. And the good news is, His love and
grace is not for me alone, but it is for you too. So come to Jesus and live!
~ Larry Critchfield
Elder

20
YOU ARE THE MAN - Romans 5:12-21
Someone has said,“The early Christians did not say in dismay;‘Look
at what the world has come to,’but in delight,‘Look what has come
to the world.’” They saw not merely the ruin, but the resources for the
reconstruction of that ruin. They saw not merely that sin did abound,
but that grace did much more abound. On that assurance, the pivot of
history swung from blank despair, loss of moral nerve, and fatalism, to
faith and confidence that at last sin had met its match. Something new
had come into the world, not only here and there, but on a wide scale,
men could attain to that once thought impossible thing, goodness. And
not only goodness, but health of mind and body, rhythm and harmony in
their total being.
That same sense of confidence must possess you if you are to pass
from an anemic, noncreative, nay-saying type of person to one who is
master of himself, his circumstances, and his destiny. But this confidence
and faith must not be based on a self-hypnosis, a mental and spiritual
fool’s paradise; it must be based on the solid
confidence that your life is related to the sum
total of reality, and that reality is working with
you and not against you.
Ask yourself this question. Have I a faith in,
and loyalty to, something beyond myself that gives ultimate meaning,
coherence, and goal to life? And, is that something, God? Or, are there
still areas of self-centeredness? Have I really shifted the center of my life
from myself to God?
Don’t wait for some miracle to be performed on you from without,
lifting you above your fears, doubts, and self-centeredness. You help
God from within by showing love to others, and miraculously your fears,
doubts, self-centeredness will vanish. The miracle starts from within, not
from without.
The secret of abundant living can be summed up in this one sentence:
“Not your responsibility, but your response to God’s ability.”
“Father God, my heart beats a little faster, my pulses throb in expectation at
the prospect of being the person that I have felt I might be. That is my desire.
I follow after You. Amen.”
~ Bill Johnson
Deacon
Devotional thought Week 3

21
DEAD TO SIN - Romans 6
It’s a whole new season of“The Walking Dead”, the TV ad blared. I
have to admit, I’m not a fan of“The Walking Dead”. Fact is I’ve never
watched it, I mean, dead people don’t walk . . . or anything else for that
matter.
Yet, as I was thinking about this, I realized there are some“walking
dead”around us. Paul knew some. He wrote; “Even so consider
yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans
6:11) Apparently some Christians didn’t know they were dead to sin
and were still walking around in it.
So Paul says,‘Hey, consider yourselves dead”. I like the KJV’s word:
‘reckon’. Both are good words, I reckon, as both mean to give careful
thought to something and come to a conclusion. I reckon being an
old(er) preacher, I’ll suggest three reasons why we should“reckon
ourselves to be dead to sin”.
First, because it’s true! This isn’t some form of positive thinking, it’s
truth. Being united with Jesus’death, burial, and resurrection, because
of our faith in Him, has enabled us to die to sin. You may not realize it
yet, but you are dead--to sin that is.
Secondly, this“reckoning”is a part of the transformation process.
Later Paul tells us to be“transformed by the renewing of our mind”.
Whoa, too much there for this little devotion except to note that
our transformation progresses as we learn to see life from God’s
perspective. In Christ, God sees you forgiven and dead to sin!
Third reason, related to the second; Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinketh
within himself, so is he”. In context this is a negative thing, but it is also
true in a positive sense. As someone has said,“what we think, we are”.
Remember, Jesus said if you think about sexual sin you are just as guilty
as if you committed the act. The power of thought!
What if, when confronted with the opportunity to sin, I say to myself,
“I reckon I’m dead to sin, so I can’t do that.” Sin has no power over me,
I’m dead! The devil can’t make me sin, I’m dead! Could that make a
difference in how we live for Jesus? Well, I reckon!
~ Ken Jurgens
Small Group Leader
Devotional thought Week 4

Sunday School
Average Attendance
December 2015
Youth
Infants 7
Walkers 8
2 - 5 Year Old 13
Elementary 43
Middle & High School 50
Adult
Christians in Action 21
Crusaders 59
Early Bird 4
Faith 14
Fellowship of Believers 12
FOCUS 15
Generations of Faith 19
Good News 30
Grace & Truth 65
Grass Roots 19
Heaven Bound 11
In The Word 21
Open Bible 58
Reach 15
Seekers 11
Servants for Christ 27
Upper Room 12
Willing Workers 29
Young Adult Class 8
Ashland Terrace 6
Miscellaneous 4
Officers 2
Total 577
December Worship
Attendance & Giving
Total General Fund
6th 768 $42,415.
13th 659 $28,901.
20th 768 $35,294.
27th 756 $48,223.
Indebtedness
Mortgage Balance, Dec. 31 $725,893.
Monthly Payment (Jan. 1) $62,888.
Principal $10,764.
Interest $2,124.
Add’l Principal $50,000.
To give online anytime or setup
a recurring online gift, visit our
website at www.tatescreek.org
and click on“Donate”. You may
also simply scan the QR code.
% of Dollars Given Online
17%
General Fund Report
2015 Budgeted Need per week $31,440.
2015 Average per week $29,062.
Dec. Total Income $154,833.
Dec. Total Expenses $114,918.
Moved to Savings $10,129.
Net Excess $29,786.
22
Funds Totals for Dec.
Deacons’Fund $3,124.
“What If...” $74,473.
Victory for Life $1,061.

23
New Members
Michelle
Marshall
Transfer
December 20
Jonathan &
Diana Sisk
Transfer
January 10
Travis & Kelsey
Spivey
Baptized
December 20
Brittany Drake
Baptized December 13
Doug & Margaret
Richardson
Transfer January 3
Pictures not available

TatesCreekCurrent
TatesCreekChristianChurch Office:(859)266-1621
3150TatesCreekRoadWeb:www.tatescreek.org
Lexington,KY40502 Email:office@tatescreek.org
Calendar ~ February 2016
1 Elders’Meeting, 6 pm, 200E
4 Mary Circle, 10:30 am, Fh
4 Deborah Circle, 6:30 pm
6 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 102
7 Monthly Ministry meetings
8 BCMF, 5:45 pm, Broadway CC
8 Faith Circle, 6:30 pm, 104
8 J.O.Y. Circle, 6:30 pm, Fh
9 Tabitha Circle, 7 pm
11 Room in the Inn, 5 pm, FH
12 Grace & Truth Chili Supper, 5 pm
18 Pairs & Spares banquet, 5:45 pm
MMC & WC, reservation required
19-20 MS Believe Conference
20 Card Ministry, 8:30 am, 102
21 Missions Team Meeting and
lunch, 12 pm, Fh
25 Room in the Inn, 5 pm, FH
Weekly Activities
Sunday:
Rejoicing Ringers rehearsal, 4:30 pm
High School Worship, 6-8 pm, 303
Evening Worship, 6:30 pm, WC
Adult Small Groups, various times
and locations
Monday:
Orchestra rehearsal, 6 pm, WC
Tuesday:
We Care Store, 1:30 & 4 pm
Pit Crew, 3 pm, Uptown
Victory for Life, 6 pm, FH
Wednesday:
Adult Bible Study, 10:30 am, 200CD
Worship Choir, 6:30 pm, WC
Oasis Classes, 6:30 pm
Youth Activities, 6:30 pm
Thursday:
We Care Store, 1:30 pm
Volume4No.2
CR-ChoirRoom/FH-FellowshipHall/Fh-FriendshipHall/MMC-MultiMinistryCenter/UP-Uptown/WC-WorshipCenter

Tates Creek Christian Church Current for February 2016

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